Djokovic, with an open heart: his motivation at 36, the source of his mental strength and more

The most successful tennis player of all time gave an unmissable interview to the famous American program 60 Minutes. Its the best.

After having an incredible 2023, where – among other things – he won three Grand Slams and the ATP Finals, Novak Djokovic He gave an unmissable interview on the famous American program 60 minutes. In it, the world number one presents himself with an open heart and spoke about his motivation at 36 years old, the source of his mental strength and much more.

Djokovic’s current main motivation

“I think now my additional motivation lies in the young men who are hungry for success and inspired to do their best against me. In a way, They awakened the beast in me“Nole’s assurance.

of course, specifically referring to Carlos Alcaraz (N2, 20 years old), Jannik sinful (N4, 22 years old) and Holger runes (N8, 20 years old). Let’s remember that His two toughest losses of the year were vs. Alcaraz (Wimbledon final) and vs. sinful (Davis Cup semi-final).

In that sense, Djokovic added: “Carlos Alcaraz is the most complete player I have seen in a long timelosing at Wimbledon made me so angry that then I had to win everything in America (laughs). This rivalry is a good opportunity to try harder than before”. In fact, he did not exaggerate about winning everything in America: after his collapse in London, he won the Master 1000 in Cincinnati (winning the final against Carlitos) and the US Open.

The source of Djokovic’s mental strength

Characterizing his head when competing, Djokovic said: “It’s not a gift you’re born with, it’s something you work for.. I have been working on it for years. There are various techniques, such as conscious breathing, which are especially important in moments when I am under pressure. There are times when I seem calm and centered, but maybe there’s a storm brewing inside of me.. The greatest battle is always within youwhere we have doubts and fears”.

Regarding these ‘storms’, Nole considered: “The difference between great champions and those who struggle to reach the highest level is the ability not to dwell on those negative emotions for too long.. It takes a relatively short time for me and, When it happens, I accept it immediately.. I can explode many times, I can shout on the court, but I prefer to restart and go back“.

Furthermore, the public is used to being against him from time to time for various reasons, the star reflects: “The pressure and stress is greater when the crowd is against you. That’s how most of my career has been, but I’ve learned to be the best in a hostile environment. People think it’s better for me if the public doesn’t support me, because it brings out the best in me in terms of tennis. “Sometimes that happens but, on the other hand, I enjoy it more when I have good support from the public.”.

Bonus track: something that embarrasses him, a psychological tactic in the field and his political aspirations

• “I broke a lot of rackets during my career, I’m not proud of it. I feel ashamed of myself when I do thisbut at the same time I accept myself as a person with flaws”.

• “When we switch sides and sit down during restFor example, there is always a big screen showing the opponent drinking water. I always watch him, I want to see how he drinks water, if he sweats more than usual, how he breathes., etc. Also orI watch how he interacts with his team“.

• “I don’t have any political aspirations at the moment, I don’t think this is a world I can govern or become one. But I think so my popularity in the country and in the region can be used for other things, to contribute to life and society”.